Burglar bust accidentally exposes ‘treasure trove of drugs’

A break-in attempt at a storage unit in Melbourne’s inner-city has uncovered a “treasure trove” of illicit drugs and millions of dollars in cash.

Police say that the discovery began after two people were allegedly trying to break into a Port Melbourne storage unit facility on Williamstown Road at about 8.30am on May 27.

As police investigated the incident, they police found what they described as a “treasure trove of drugs”.

The discovery led to more searches at apartments in St Kilda.

Police seized an assortment of illicit drugs, including 1kg of methylamphetamine, half a kilo of MDMA powder, 300 MDMA tablets and about 500 prescription pills.

Authorities also seized multiple weapons, including a stun device and $460,000 they believe to be proceeds of crime.

Following investigations, a 44-year-old man and 32-year-old woman from St Kilda were both arrested.

The man was charged in relation to the discovery of the drugs and weapons and was remanded to face court in August.

The woman was charged with possessing prohibited weapons and failing to answer bail.

She was granted bail and will face court in November.

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Through further investigations, police identified a man who they believe is the ringleader of the drug trafficking syndicate, who was overseas at the time of the attempted break-in.

Police arrested him following his return to Melbourne and he was hit with multiple drug charges and held in custody before he is set to face court in August.

Police are now searching for the man and woman accused of breaking into the storage unit.

They are believed to be of Caucasian appearance, both aged in their 30s and wearing grey hooded jumpers with high-vis vests, masks and sunglasses.